Principles of Continuity

Why is Continuity important?

Continuity is used to keep the narrative flow both logical and understandable. When continuity errors occur the audience can be left confused as to what has happened.

The Rules of Continuity Editing

Shot order - You should help your audience make sense of the film by moving across physical space in a logical shot order, i.e. long shot to mid shot to close up, instead of jumping from long shot to extreme close up

180 degree rule - This rule refers to an imaginary line running through the middle of the scene (shown below). It is important not to cross the line because it changes the perspective that the viewer see he scene from which can cause confusion and disorientation. So unless this is intended or the viewer actually sees the viewpoint move across the line, then it is important not to cross the line. 

30 degree rule - If the camera angle moves by less than 30 degrees (with the same framing) the audience may notice a 'jump' in the footage (also known as a jump cut)

Eyeline Match - It is important that the direction of the characters' gazes stay constant. For example if one character 1 is taller than character 2, then when the camera is from character 1's point of view it should be a high angle (looking down) and from character 2's point of view it should be a low angle (looking up).

Match on Match Action - You should match the last action of the previous shot to the first action of the next shot. This will ensure that action doesn't appear to repeat itself.

Shot/reverse/shot - When cutting back and forth between two people having a conversation you should do it in stages as following:

• Film it once as a master shot (showing character 1 and character 2)
• Film it again as a close up on character 1
• Film it again as a close up on character 2
• Film BCU's as individual shots when you want to show emotion
• When needed film mid shots, etc.

Creating meaning through Continuity

Meaning can be created through the use of transitions, sound, lighting, camera movement/position and framing.

A selection of techniques are:

Cross Cutting - This is where shots that are from different spaces of the narrative are put together. Overtime audiences have learnt to understand that this action is occurring simultaneously. Cross cutting is often quick and a popular example of this would be in a chase scene.

Fades - Fading in/out of a shot is often used to represent the passing of time

Wipes - Even though wipes are unusual to see, they can be used to make something wacky or lively and is more likely to be seen in a children's tv program or a comical sketch.

How will this help me in future?

I have now learnt the various techniques needed in order to maintain an audiences attention and keep a constant understanding of the story. I will make sure to keep the camera within both the 30 degree rule and 180 degree rule as well as taking a master shot along with a few takes on each shot to make sure one will edit in correctly. Finally i will make sure to shoot a long part of the sequence after setting up the next shot.